"If I were doing it, I certainly wouldn’t tell you," Trump joked.
The U.S. Department of Defense has begun active preparations for a possible deployment of American ground troops in Iran. This was reported by CBS, citing numerous sources familiar with the discussions. According to the channel's informants, high-ranking military officials have already sent specific requests related to preparations for such a scenario, as President Donald Trump is considering such steps in the war against Iran.
As part of the preparations, American military officials have held meetings regarding the detention of Iranian soldiers and militants from paramilitary groups, including identifying locations where prisoners will be taken. The planning involves the Rapid Reaction Forces of the ground troops and expeditionary units of the U.S. Marine Corps.
At the same time, Trump, responding to reporters' questions, initially stated that he does not intend to conduct a ground operation in Iran, but then added, "If I were doing it, I certainly wouldn’t tell you."
Against this backdrop, the U.S. is increasing its military presence in the Middle East. According to two American officials, three warships and about 2,200 Marines from an expeditionary unit left California earlier this week. This is already the second such unit sent to the region since the start of the war, CBS notes.
As previously reported by Reuters, informed sources say Trump is considering several options for deploying American Marines in Iran: ensuring safe passage for tankers through the Strait of Hormuz by taking positions on the Iranian coast, capturing Khark Island (a key center for Iranian oil exports), and conducting an operation to seize stocks of highly enriched uranium.
In the White House, in a conversation with the agency, it was emphasized that the decision to send ground troops has not yet been made, but the president "is wisely considering all options." Currently, the American force in the Middle East numbers about 50,000 military personnel.
